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Former WWE Champion Dean Ambrose officially informed World Wrestling Entertainment yesterday that he would be leaving the company when his current deal expires this Spring, PWInsider.com has confirmed.
The news that Ambrose had given notice was first broken overnight by the Pro Wrestling Torch.
PWInsider.com sources have independently confirmed that Ambrose was offered a new, five year contract worth a little over seven figures per year, but turned the deal down. The news that Ambrose had given notice had been kept very quiet during last night's Raw taping but began to spread among wrestlers after the show was over. One source categorized the move as Ambrose being able to "do what he wants" as he doesn't live an expensive lifestyle and has made great money over his WWE run.
Ambrose signed with a WWE developmental deal in 2011 and was brought up to the main roster as one-third of The Shield in 2012. He's been a featured performer his entire WWE run, but was out of action for an extended period following a triceps tear that required multiple surgeries in 2017 and 2018. Ambrose returned to WWE storylines in August 2018 and had been embroiled in a feud with Seth Rollins in recent months. We are told that last night's Raw match was designed to close the story of that feud.
While Ambrose was a popular talent who worked main events on house shows and was extremely popular, he was never a pushed star as the centerpiece of the company in the same vein as a Roman Reigns or John Cena, but held the WWE title, the WWE Intercontinental Championship, the United States title, The Raw Tag Team Championship and has been involved in a number of major angles and storylines.
PWInsider.com is told that Ambrose is currently expected to close out his WWE run in April or May, but was cautioned that the company could always attempt to come back with another offer to lock him in for more money or a shorter-term deal.
Ambrose was eliminated from the Royal Rumble over the weekend by Aleister Black to give a rub to the NXT star. WWE appeared to begin a story with Nia Jax and Ambrose last night, although whether they pull the trigger on an actual intergender match between the two, remains to be seen. If they do, Nia is surely going to be the victor.
With Ambrose expected to leave, at 33 years old, he would certainly be the most in-demand wrestler on the open market. With New Japan and AEW as possibilities, plus independent and signing dates, it's even possible Ambrose could make more than he was being offered by WWE to remain. As of today, he is heading towards the WWE exit door.
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